Public Safety pros answer the call for help | News

When violent storms and tornados ravaged 16 eastern Kentucky counties on the night of March 2, Kentucky State Police telecommunicators were some of the first to respond, handling urgent requests for assistance and sending emergency personnel and equipment to the stricken communities. Often working in excess of normal 12-hour shifts, they played vital roles in alerting law enforcement, fire, rescue and medical services, coordinating communications and directing help to where it was needed.

During the second week of April, Kentucky State Police telecommunications personnel at Post 16-Henderson will join more than 200,000 fellow communicators throughout the United States being recognized for their long hours and dedication to public safety.

Post 16-Henderson has seven telecommunicators on staff who handle calls in Henderson, Daviess, Union, Ohio, McLean and Hancock counties. Last year, Post 16 responded to 28,565 calls.

 “Across the state, our telecommunicators are just a phone call away for those seeking help in times of personal crisis or community disaster,” says KSP Commissioner Rodney Brewer. “They are on duty every day, every night, every weekend and every holiday, providing a calming voice to citizens in need and behind-the-scenes support to first responders on the street. Their efforts often make the difference between life and death. They have earned a well-deserved salute for their dedication and service to the Kentucky State Police and the citizens of the Commonwealth.”

KSP employs 187 telecommunicators at its 16 posts throughout the state. In 2011, they handled 529,175 calls.

The Post 16 telecommunications team includes: Debbie Scott-Henderson; Bridget Stone-Owensboro; Alexis McGee-Owensboro; Rodney Blake Smith-Owensboro; Mark Doepel-Henderson; Peggy Zachritz-Evansville, IN and Belinda Littrell of Henderson.